Rising majestically to 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak and a spectacular, lesser-known trekking destination located within Arusha National Park. Often overshadowed by its big sister Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers an equally rewarding and dramatically scenic adventure—without the heavy crowds.
This dormant stratovolcano is rich in biodiversity, with trails passing through lush montane forests, misty heather zones, and open alpine deserts. Along the way, hikers are likely to encounter giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and a variety of birdlife, making it a rare combination of trekking and wildlife safari. Its iconic horseshoe crater, dramatic ridgelines, and jaw-dropping sunrise views of Kilimanjaro from Socialist Peak are among the most breathtaking in East Africa.
Mount Meru is also an excellent acclimatization climb for those preparing to summit Kilimanjaro, thanks to its high-altitude profile and challenging terrain.
We meet you at your lodge/hotel in Arusha or Moshi a day before for detailed briefing & gear checking. Please let us know if you will need transfers & accommodation in Arusha before and after trekking to be included in your prices.
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Distance: Approx. 10 km
Vegetation type: Montane forest & moorland
Your adventure begins at Momella Gate, the entrance to Arusha National Park. After registering and sorting out park fees, you'll embark on your trek through the savannah, keeping an eye out for wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. The trail then ascends through montane forest, teeming with birdlife and colobus monkeys. Finally, you'll reach Miriakamba Hut, nestled at 2,500 meters/8,212 feet, where you'll spend your first night.
Hiking time: 2.5 hours
Distance: Approx. 6km / 3 Miles km
Vegetation type: Moorland
Day 2 features a more challenging ascent as the vegetation thins with elevation. The trail leads across Elephant Ridge, revealing breathtaking vistas of the vast Meru Crater below. As you climb higher, the terrain shifts into a dramatic, moon-like volcanic landscape. Your day ends at Saddle Hut (3,560 meters / 11,680 feet), nestled on the mountain's shoulder, where you'll rest and acclimatize in preparation for the summit attempt.
This is the most challenging day. You'll wake up pre-dawn for a hot drink and begin your summit ascent around 1:30 am. Headlamps will be essential as you navigate the steep, scree-covered slopes of Rhino Point (3,800 meters/12,467 feet) and Cobra Point (4,350 meters/14,271 feet). The final stretch to the 4,566-meter (14,980 feet) summit involves scrambling over a rocky ridge. But the reward is an unforgettable sunrise panorama encompassing the Meru Crater, the ash cone, and possibly even the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro. After soaking in the views, descend carefully back to Saddle Hut for a well-deserved rest before continuing down to Miriakamba Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Hiking time: 2-4 hours
Distance: Approx. 10 km
Vegetation type: Alpine
Your final day is a rewarding descent through the mountain’s lower slopes. As you make your way down, take in the vibrant contrast of the lush, wildlife-rich forest. Once you arrive at Momella Gate, your transport will be waiting to take you back to Moshi—where you can relax and celebrate your remarkable accomplishment.
Starts From 1 Person at: $1,150
Per person for 2 people: $1,070
Per person for a group of 3-5 people: $995
Per person for a group of 5 & above: $970
